MDC activists arrested in Budiriro after clashes with soldiers

By Violet Gonda

17 0ctober 2005

8 MDC youths were arrested in Budiro after clashes with armed soldiers on Saturday evening. An MDC ward chairperson for Ward 4 in Budiriro, Emmanuel Chisvure, was at Glen View police station on Monday with Lawyer Alec Muchadehama to secure the release of the opposition youths.

Soldiers and police officers who were given stands in Budiriro 4 several months ago are said to be victimising opposition supporters. The soldiers are said to be working with ZANU PF officials in the area.

People caught reading independent newspapers like the Standard and the Zimbabwean are also being targeted. The MDC ward chairman alleges that people innocently walking at night at shopping centres are being harassed for loitering.

Chisvure said youths were badly beaten with some having serious head injuries.

Glen View police refused to comment.